As the tea brews in East Harlem, Becoming Unique Boutique is more than a wellness shop; it’s a sanctuary built by Unique Samuel Figueroa. As an entrepreneur, mother, creative, and lifelong Harlemite, Figueroa understands the importance of community because she was raised by it.
For years, Figueroa, 50, navigated life without fully recognizing her self-worth, a hurdle that impacted her confidence and held her back from reaching her potential.
“Throughout my life, I’ve faced the challenge of not fully realizing my self-worth and recognizing my own power,” Figueroa said. “This struggle impacted my confidence and ability to pursue opportunities. It took time to understand my value, but overcoming it has been a significant part of my growth.” After graduating from New York’s St. Jean Baptiste High School and deciding not to attend college, she took a leap of faith to build a life on her own terms. Yet before creating a physical space for others, she had to navigate an internal struggle of her own.
As Figueroa embraced self-acceptance, she felt called to extend that journey to others. She wanted to build a safe space where neighbors could step away from the city’s fast pace, reconnect with their inner strength, and feel valued.
That vision became the blueprint for Becoming Unique Boutique, a self-care wellness and tea shop at 322 E. 117th Street.
“To me, Becoming unique means embracing and expressing my authentic self,” Figueroa said. “It’s about being true to who I am, honoring my individuality, and recognizing my strengths, values, and passions, and allowing them to shine through in everything I do.”
Breaking into entrepreneurship with a niche concept wasn’t easy. As the neighborhood’s first Black-owned tea shop, Figueroa had to introduce residents to a wellness-focused tea house while finding creative ways to draw people through the door. Building a loyal customer base took patience and persistence.
Creating a Black-owned space in Harlem carries a meaning far deeper than business success for Figueroa.
“When people discover that I’m the owner, I can see an immediate energy shift; they light up with excitement to see someone who looks like them running an establishment. It’s inspiring for them and breaks down barriers, showing that anyone can achieve their dreams.”
Becoming Unique Boutique reflects Figueroa’s journey to self-love. Rather than offering standard menu items, her tea blends feature positive affirmations designed to promote mindfulness.
Figueroa points to her signature blend, “I Am Open for Change,” made with butterfly pea flower, cinnamon, lemon, and agave. The tea visibly changes color as milk is introduced, serving as a metaphor for transformation.
“People love its delicious taste, but they also resonate with its powerful meaning,” Figueroa explained. “The name symbolizes our willingness to embrace change and adapt to new environments, just as this tea transforms with the ingredients added to it.”
Beyond tea, the space operates as a wellness hub. The boutique offers event services and self-reflection experiences such as “I Am Love,” guiding guests through journaling, positive affirmations, and mirror work, where they speak uplifting words to themselves.
Over time, the boutique has evolved into a place where customers gather to share stories, process life’s challenges, and uplift one another.
Looking ahead, Figueroa cherishes every part of her journey as a stepping stone to who she is today. She hopes to continue growing alongside her community, expanding her knowledge, and encouraging those around her.
Printed on her tea packaging is a simple reminder that captures her philosophy:
“These teas may be saucy, but you are the secret sauce,” Figueroa said. “Everything we need is already inside us. When we embrace that power, we can achieve amazing things.”
